US511904A

US511904A - Puzzle

Info

Publication number: US511904A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1894-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 1911-01-02

Description

(No Model.)

0. A. MEADOWS. PUZZLE.

' Np.511,904. PatentdJan.2,1894.

UNITED STATES FFIC PATEN PUZZLE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 511,904, dated January 2,1894.

Application filed January 25, 1893. Serial Nn l59,747. (No model.)

To all whOm it may concern.-

Be it known that I, CHARLES AUGUSTUS MEADOWS, of Yonkers, county of W'estchester, and State of New York, have invented a certain new and useful Toy or Puzzle, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

The object of my invention is to produce a toy or puzzle which I propose to name the Columbus egg.

The puzzle consists in a hollow egg-shaped object containing certain devices for rendering it capable or incapable of sitting upon its end, according to the position of the parts.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a central vertical longitudinal section of my puzzle; and Fig. 2 a horizontal section, showing the lower end thereof.

Referring to the figures on the drawings, 1 indicates the shell of my puzzle, preferably, for facility of manufacture, made in two sections, as illustrated, which being united together form a good representation of an egg. In the larger end of the shell I provide a central somewhat semi-spherical depression 2, and an annular groove 3. The annulus is preferably of the same width as the diameter of the depression 2. An annular ridge divides the groove from the central depression and defines their shapes.

5 indicates a spherical body of nearly the same diameter as the semispherical recess 2, and which is adapted to fit snugly therein, or into the groove 3.

An ordinary marble, for

example, may be employed for this purpose. By reason of the form of the shell themarble may move freely around inside of the puzzle, but when the egg is turned with its broad side down the marble will rest, either in the groove, or in the semi-spherical recess. When it rests in the former it will prevent the shell from assuming the upright position; but when in the latter it will compel it to assume that position. The shell being made of opaque material there is considerable difficulty in putting the marbleinto the semi-spherical recess and into the groove respectively when desired.

The puzzle consists in having one unacquainted with it attempt to cause it to assume either desired position. It is found in practice that the groove tends more readily to receive the marble; and that if a slight rotary motion is given to the egg that the marble will continue to remain in the groove, even when urged toward the central depression.

What I claim is- The combination with a hollow oval object, of a semi-spherical central recess, and a semicylindrical annular recess in the same horizontal plane in one end thereof and a movable body, substantially as specified.

In testimony of all which I have hereunto subscribed my name.

CHARLES AUGUSTUS MEADOWS.

Witnesses:

PATRICK WHELAN, HENRY J. RITCHIE.